One of the highlights of my recent visit to Rejuvenation Lighting in Portland was when historian Bo Sullivan was able to – immediately – identify the vintage pulldown light over my kitchen table. I don’t think I’ve told this story before: One Friday afternoon after a hard day’s work — when I was driving home – I got the idea that I needed a vintage light NOW. This was when I was putting the final details of my kitchen together before contractor Kevin started. So as soon as I got home, I jumped on ebay and with 12 minutes to go spotted the light shown here above the tulip table. Of course, I snapped it up – for $12. Bo knows lighting – he knew exactly who made the light and showed it to me in a catalog —>

Ta da!: It’s a 1959 Imperialite, made by Emerson-Imperial.

The date on this catalog is Sept. 15, 1959. Hey, my light is 50 years old this year: Like Barbie, and me!

This light – which I spotted on ebay last year – was on the same page with my light, in the catalog:

Aren’t these all swoon-able?

Here’s Bo with another catalog. Over the past 15 years, Bo has been collecting vintage marketing material from 20th century lighting companies. The collection is AMAZING. Rejuvenation is in the process of moving the collection from the factory… over to the store. There, it will be accessible to customers as a research and inspiration resource. And guess what – there’s a latte bar at the store, too. Now, that’s all I need to be happy: Good coffee… and a million vintage lighting catalogs. Bo, are you sure I’m invited back? I’ll never leave! Thank you again for sharing your knowledge. More Rejuvenation posts to come…

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2. Great retro pull down lights for your kitchen, from Progress vintage 1961 I am very excited about my latest vintage marketing material...
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Fridays are shaping up (informally) to be the day we think about sprucing up our postwar jewel boxes – on the outside. Today, this terrific 60s paint palette from reader Ronn. Not only are the colors great, but the graphics of the paint chips themselves are yummy. Ronn admits, this is a treasure he keeps in his NFS (not for sale) treasure trove.

Other recent posts about painting your mid century home:

• A 50s palette from Laura B.
• Sears Harmony House
• Sherwin-Williams Suburban Modern Palette
• Garage doors – serious eye candy

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2. Original Eichler paint colors for your ranch or contemporary home Are you looking forward to repainting your midcentury ranch or...
3. Painting your 50s ranch house (and more) – courtesy of Laura B. Laura B. sent some fun scans of color combo’s for...